Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for books about botany and gardening that don't lean on Darwinian or evolutionary theories. I'm really curious about how people, especially in Europe, understood plants and their growth before the Darwinian revolution took hold. It would be awesome to find something with an animistic touch as well. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed by the current scientific narratives that seem so mechanical and focused on evolution. Please note, I'm not trying to spark an evolution debate here; I just want to learn more about historical perspectives on plants. If you know of any book recommendations, I would really appreciate it! If not, that's cool too—just ignore this post. Thanks!
2 Answers
I totally get where you're coming from! For a good read, you might want to check out 'The Natural History of Plants' by Richard Mabey. It dives into how people historically viewed plants, rather than just the scientific breakdown. It’s not strictly non-evolutionary but provides some interesting cultural insights. Plus, it tends to celebrate the more mystical connections between humans and nature!
You might find 'Plant Spirit Medicine' by Eliot Cowan fascinating! It discusses the relationship between plants and humans from a more spiritual and traditional viewpoint. Although it’s not purely historical, it could give you the fresh perspective you’re seeking on how various cultures have interacted with plant life. Definitely a different take from the usual scientific stuff!
Great suggestion! I've heard of that book but never read it. I’ll have to give it a shot!
That sounds interesting! I love books that touch on the cultural aspects of botany. Thanks for the suggestion!